Corvallis vs Portland: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Corvallis, OR and Portland, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Corvallis, OR | Portland, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $151,581 | $169,248▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $72.87 | $81.37▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $128,923▲ | $108,672 |
| 25th Percentile | $143,336▲ | $139,162 |
| 75th Percentile | $173,247 | $178,930▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $201,722 | $224,163▲ |
| Total Employed | 80 | 1,110▲ |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Corvallis.
The salary gap between Corvallis and Portland is $17,667 (11.66%). Portland's median is +20.55% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Corvallis spans $72,799,Portland spans $115,491. Portland has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physician assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Portland ($160,545 effective) pays 10.17% more than Corvallis ($145,727 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Corvallis if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($169,248/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($224,163)
- ✓Larger job market (1,110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $160,545)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Corvallis grew 21.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 42.9% growth in Portland over the same period.
Corvallis, OR
$121,010 (2019) → $146,710 (2025)
Portland, OR
$114,660 (2019) → $163,810 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Corvallis, OR
Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Corvallis or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Corvallis and Portland?
Should I relocate from Corvallis to Portland as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Corvallis vs Portland?
Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov